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If the Canton Governɛent so desires, I am now
prepared without further delay to put this arrangement into
effect. The Chinese title of the post will be as follows:-
The Merchant appointed to fill the post mast be parsons
grata to the Hong Kong Government, as also must be bis
SUGORASOTE in office from time to time.
4. If this arrangement is to be nade, I shall be
glad to learn as soon sa possible whom the Canton Governan nå
proposes to nominate for this appointment and when he may
bs expected to arrive in Hong Kong. Directly the Hong
Kong and Canton Governmenta have agreed on the nominee for
this office, I shall be prepared to inform Mr. Lan that I
cannot permit him to function any longer in Hongkong as
Superintendent and on the same day as I make this notifi-
ostion I will instal the new nominee as "Commercial Agent",
giving him such protection by the Hong Kong Police as may be
necessary.
5. It is, of course, essential that the Canton
Government should preserve secrecy in this matter until the
day for action arrives, as otherwise Mr. Laa might, while
still in oconpation, injure the plant or absoond with the
funde of his office. I mention this point, as I notion
that an inecrrect account of what is proposed to be do ne
has already found its way into the Canton vernacular press
and has thence been copies by the Hong Kong vernacular
novapayers.
I have the honour, etc..
(Bgd.) 0. Clementi
Governor
$0.